BATHURST Post Office staff enjoyed a luncheon at Pantano’s Bar and Grill on Saturday to acknowledge and celebrate the recent retirement of long-serving employee Jamie Davidson.

Mr Davidson had completed 38 years of continuous service with Australia Post.

He started with Australia Post in 1979, transferred to Lithgow in 1980 and then provided relief in the Bathurst Postal District for the next few years until his permanent appointment to Bathurst Post Office in 1985.

He remained at Bathurst Post Office until his retirement in November.

Mr Davidson was congratulated on his long, loyal service to the Bathurst community.

Staff have asked him to continue sending the postcards they have received from Mr Davidson over many years from all over the world as he pursued his love of climbing the world’s highest mountains.

Over the years, Mr Davidson has travelled to countries including Peru, Nepal and Papua New Guinea and has always kept staff back at the post office updated on his adventures.

Mr Davidson started with Australia Post when post offices had the traditional large wooden counter and, in the ensuing decades, has seen post offices move into the retail area and then begin offering electronic deliveries.

Mr Davidson was presented with a silver watch on behalf of the staff from Mike Watson, former postal manager of Bathurst Post Office.